André Ventura announced potential consensus on immigration regulation and nationality restriction, describing it as a significant positive development for the country. Ventura spoke to journalists following a meeting with Luís Montenegro at the São Bento official residence, which lasted over half an hour.
“In this meeting, we sought to establish a working principle that gives the public the assurance that parliament is taking action. I believe the Prime Minister will confirm that we have a common platform to lower taxes, restrict nationality, and immigration,” he stated.
The Chega leader signaled potential support for agreed proposals but acknowledged uncertainty about which points would be approved or rejected, emphasizing a reciprocal approach.
Ventura claimed assurance that both fiscal and immigration proposals would be voted on favorably, or in some cases, possibly referred to a committee without a vote, only from the Government and Chega. There is a commitment to a restrictive framework on approved proposals during the committee stage.
Regarding the IRS reduction, Ventura noted both parties’ openness to reconciling positions, possibly implementing phased changes—initial adjustments in September with retroactive effect from January, and further changes from January as part of the new State Budget.
“We were open to changes, as the Government wishes in September, regarding withholding rates retroactive to January, while the Government showed openness to reducing rates in lower brackets,” he explained.
Ventura mentioned ongoing overnight discussions by parliamentary leaders and directions of Chega and PSD to reach a consensus by morning, ensuring no other parties’ involvement is required and maintaining parliamentary majority support.
He added that by tomorrow, there should be a broad agreement on concluding the legislative process concerning immigration, nationality, and IRS.
On nationality law changes and immigration entry rules, Ventura noted some areas where the Government’s supporting majority might concede.
“We are outlining these proposals with the assurance to the Prime Minister, possibly in writing if needed, though ideally not necessary, that these aspects will be a commitment by both parties. Whether they advance to committee stage with approval or without a vote, they will be addressed within the framework defined here,” he indicated.
Ventura also remarked that the country entered a new phase of national political life, arguing that citizens demand work and stability from parties and the Government.
As per the Constitution, laws governing the “acquisition, loss, and reacquisition of Portuguese citizenship” must be voted as organic laws, requiring an absolute majority of active deputies, i.e., 116 votes, necessitating support from either the PS bloc or Chega (in addition to PSD and CDS-PP’s 91 deputies).
